Cutbacks coming: Budget woes may force Army to close bases

4:24 PM,
May 16, 2013

Members of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment take part in a training excerise at Fort Polk. Central Louisiana leaders are lobbying the Army and Congress to keep Fort Polk at full strength despite military budget cuts.

Written by

Lance M. Bacon
Army Times

The Army has been forced to cut a lot of soldiers, training and services over the past year - and the coming year isn't looking any better.

The service is facing a variety of vulnerabilities. Involuntary separations are on the horizon. Money designated for training and procurement will be used to pay other bills, leaving readiness at "significant risk." Post reductions are underway, and closures are likely.

"I frankly wish I had a lot of good news to share today. But, frankly, we're really at a crossroads in our Army," service Secretary John McHugh said May 8 in congressional testimony. ...